AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme 2026 at the University of Oxford: Fully Funded Research Collaboration Opportunity for African Scholars

The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme 2026 at the University of Oxford offers an exceptional opportunity for outstanding African researchers to collaborate with leading scholars at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Designed to foster long-term research partnerships, this fellowship provides a unique platform for African academics to build global networks, advance high-impact research projects, and strengthen collaboration between African institutions and the University of Oxford.

Applications are now open for the 2026 AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme, with the application deadline set for 15 May 2026.

Through this prestigious fellowship, selected scholars will be affiliated with the University of Oxford for 12 months, including 10 months of virtual engagement and a 2-month in-person research residency in Oxford during Trinity Term.

This programme, coordinated through the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx), aims to promote multidisciplinary collaboration, strengthen research capacity in Africa, and enable knowledge exchange between Oxford scholars and researchers working across the African continent.

About the AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme

The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme was created to support collaboration between exceptional African researchers and Oxford-based academics. Fellows undertake a research project of their choice while working closely with an academic collaborator from the University of Oxford.

The programme offers scholars the opportunity to:

• Conduct collaborative research with Oxford academics

• Access world-class research resources and libraries

• Develop joint research projects and publications

• Build sustainable international academic networks

• Contribute to academic discussions and intellectual life at Oxford

The fellowship encourages multidisciplinary research and welcomes scholars from diverse academic disciplines. Applicants are required to identify an Oxford-based collaborator and include them in their fellowship proposal before submitting their application.

Fellowship Duration and Structure

The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme runs for 12 months, combining both remote engagement and a residential research visit.

1. Virtual Engagement (10 Months)

During the virtual phase, fellows will have remote access to resources at the University of Oxford. Activities may include:

• Research collaboration with Oxford faculty

• Virtual seminars and workshops

• Academic writing and project development

• Research leadership development

This phase helps fellows establish strong collaboration before their residency.

2. In-Person Residency at Oxford (2 Months)

The fellowship includes a two-month residency at Oxford between April and June (Trinity Term).

During this time, fellows will:

• Work directly with Oxford researchers

• Access university research facilities

• Participate in seminars and academic discussions

• Present their research at workshops

• Develop collaborative research outputs

Each fellow will also be affiliated with a specific Oxford department and college.

Research Partnerships and Fellowship Themes

The AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme collaborates with multiple Oxford departments and research centres, offering fellows opportunities to work in diverse academic fields.

Mathematical Institute Fellowship

This fellowship connects African mathematicians with the Oxford Mathematical Institute, one of the world’s leading mathematics departments. Fellows collaborate with researchers across areas of fundamental and applied mathematics while developing research papers, events, and joint projects.

Oxford Department of International Development (ODID)

The ODID fellowship supports research related to global development challenges. ODID hosts major research initiatives such as:

• Refugee Studies Centre

• Young Lives

• Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative

• Technology and Industrialisation Development Centre

Researchers working on development policy, poverty reduction, and global economic transformation are encouraged to apply.

Law Faculty Fellowship

The AfOx Law Fellowship supports African academics working in legal research. Candidates must hold a full-time academic appointment at an African university and demonstrate a clear research agenda that would benefit from collaboration with Oxford scholars.

African Studies Centre Fellowship

The African Studies Centre is one of the world’s leading hubs for interdisciplinary African scholarship. Fellows have the opportunity to conduct research, writing, and mentoring while using Oxford’s vast academic resources.

During the fellowship, participants present their work at a writing workshop where Oxford scholars provide feedback to support publication.

TORCH Humanities Fellowship

The Oxford Research Centre in the Humanities (TORCH) promotes interdisciplinary research across humanities disciplines.

Priority research areas may include:

• Environmental humanities

• Medical humanities

• Digital humanities

• Cultural heritage

• Race and resistance

Refugee Studies Centre Fellowship

Researchers working on migration, displacement, refugee policy, and humanitarian responses can collaborate with the Refugee Studies Centre.

The centre supports interdisciplinary research across fields such as anthropology, law, economics, politics, and international relations.

Healthcare Access Fellowship

This fellowship focuses on improving equitable access to healthcare in low- and middle-income countries.

Projects may address issues such as:

• Healthcare infrastructure

• Drug pricing

• Regulatory systems

• Health policy

• Access to medicines

Pandemic Sciences Institute Fellowship

This fellowship focuses on research related to infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness, including fields such as epidemiology, vaccinology, policy, and ethics.

Oxford Cancer Fellowship

Researchers working in oncology can collaborate with Oxford Cancer across priority areas including:

• Immuno-oncology

• Cancer early detection and prevention

• Cancer big data

• Novel therapeutics

Ethox Bioethics Fellowship

The Ethox Centre focuses on global health bioethics. This fellowship supports interdisciplinary projects addressing ethical issues in healthcare and medical research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Oxford EARTH Fellowship

This fellowship supports research addressing global environmental challenges, including sustainable natural resource management, renewable energy technologies, and environmental remediation.

OCIS Fellowship

The AfOx–Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship focuses on research related to:

• Islamic sciences

• Muslim societies

• Islamic finance

• Science and technology in Muslim contexts

RAIN Fellowship Programme

The AfOx–Research Alpha Industry Fellowship focuses on Africa’s energy sector, including renewable energy, climate-resilient power systems, and energy access innovations.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive comprehensive support throughout the programme.

Research Collaboration

Fellows work closely with Oxford-based researchers to develop joint projects, publications, and grant proposals.

Access to Oxford Resources

Participants gain access to Oxford’s libraries, research networks, and academic infrastructure.

Residential Research Visit

The programme covers costs for the in-person residency, including accommodation and travel.

Financial Support

Fellows receive financial support including:

• Return economy-class flight

• Accommodation during residency

• Visa reimbursement

• Maintenance allowance of up to £250 per week during residence

• Airport transfers

Academic Networking

Participants build strong global networks with Oxford scholars, policymakers, and researchers.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet several criteria to qualify for the fellowship.

Candidates must:

• Be of postdoctoral or equivalent academic status

• Hold a position at an African academic or research institution

• Identify and secure an Oxford-based collaborator

• Submit a research proposal aligned with one of the fellowship themes

• Demonstrate strong research potential and impact

Applicants must also ensure that their Oxford collaborator provides a formal letter of support.

Applications submitted without the collaborator’s signed support letter will be disqualified.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Quality and originality of the research proposal

• Alignment between the applicant and Oxford collaborator

• Feasibility of the project within the fellowship timeline

• Potential for long-term research collaboration

• Academic merit and impact of the research

Gender balance and regional diversity are also considered during selection.

Application Process

Applicants must complete the fellowship application online through the AfOx Visiting Fellowship Programme portal.

The application must include:

• A completed fellowship application form

• A research proposal

• Details of the Oxford collaborator and department

• A signed letter of support from the Oxford host

Applicants must ensure all materials are submitted before the deadline.

Applications via email are not accepted.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 15 May 2026

Fellowship Duration: 12 months

Virtual Engagement: 10 months

Residency at Oxford: 2 months during Trinity Term (May–June)

How to Apply

Interested researchers should visit the Official Fellowship page and submit their application online.

Applicants must first identify and secure a collaborator at the University of Oxford before applying.

Prospective fellows are encouraged to contact potential collaborators early and align their research project with the host department’s interests.

Discover more global fellowship programmes HERE.